The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual global campaign that runs from 25th November (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10th December (Human Rights Day) to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls.
The theme from UN Women this year is “End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls”. At WIRE, we know this can have serious financial impacts, as technology is sometimes used as a tool for coercive control and economic abuse and can affect women’s safety, independence, and financial wellbeing in very real ways.
How Technology Is Used as a Tool for Coercive Control and Economic Abuse
Technology can be misused in many ways. Abusers may use mobile phones, computers, social media platforms, GPS trackers, cameras, or other devices to monitor, harass, or manipulate survivors remotely. This control can extend beyond direct contact, sometimes targeting a survivor’s friends, family, colleagues, or even pets, creating ongoing fear and stress.
Digital abuse can intersect with economic abuse, with abusers using technology and financial systems to interfere with work, study, or financial independence. Examples include monitoring online banking, manipulating digital payment platforms, intercepting employment or education-related communications, or harassing survivors in ways that disrupt their professional or financial stability.
Regaining control of finances is essential for rebuilding independence and safety.
Practical steps include:
- Contact financial hardship teams at your bank
- Open personal bank accounts that an ex-partner cannot access
- Update all passwords and PINs (for banking, email, and social media)
- Freeze or close joint bank accounts
- Secure legal and financial documents such as vehicle ownership, wills, and Centrelink records.
Financial abuse is legally recognised as a form of family violence where someone uses money or financial systems to exert power and control. It can look like:
- Controlling household income
- Restricting access to joint bank accounts
- Forcing you to leave the job
- Accumulate debt in your name
Head to our calendar to find out more about the array of event WIRE is running as part of this year’s 16 Days of Activism campaign!